absence seizure: a type of seizure in which the patient stares blankly for a few seconds.
automated external defibrillator (AED): a device used by the community to provide defibrillation outside of the hospital setting.
anaphylaxis: a potentially fatal allergic reaction to an antigen.
aura: sensations that anticipate convulsive seizures.
bloodborne pathogens: infectious organisms found in the blood (and often other body secretions).
bradycardia: heart rate < 60 beats per minute.
burn: traumatic injury to the skin and other tissues caused by thermal, chemical, or electrical exposure.
café coronary syndrome: fatal or near-fatal choking caused by incompletely chewed meat.
cardiac arrest: unresponsive person without breathing and pulse.
choking: obstruction of the airways caused by a foreign object.
compression-only CPR: the untrained rescuer providing compressions only and not ventilations.
convulsion: a type of seizure where a patient may stiffen and produce jerking movements of the body.
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): a procedure that involves giving chest compressions and rescue breathing for a patient in cardiac arrest.
cyanosis: bluish coloration of the skin or mucous membranes caused by decreased oxygen to the tissues.
deep partial-thickness burn: formerly known as a third-degree burn, involves deeper layers of the dermis, including hair follicles and glands.
diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): an outcome of diabetes mellitus in which the patient has very high blood sugar and ketone production.
dislocation: a bone slipped out of the joint.
emergency response system: the system within a community that typically includes police, fire departments, and emergency medical response teams.
EpiPen: an auto-injector epinephrine delivery device that can be safely used by the lay rescuer or patient for anaphylaxis.
eviscerated: the state in which abdominal body organs are outside of the body, typically as a result of trauma.
first aid: the application of emergency interventions to address a critically ill patient that has sustained injuries on-site.
first responder: the individual who arrives first to an emergency situation who will provide initial first aid to the patient.
fracture: a break in a bone.
frostbite: an extreme form of hypothermia that results in damage to areas of the body due to exposure to cold.
full-thickness burn: formerly known as a fourth-degree burn, it affects the epidermis up to the entire layer of the dermis with an injury to the subcutaneous tissue. It destroys the skin and can even extend to the muscles and bones.
Heimlich maneuver: commonly known as abdominal thrusts to relieve a choking incident.
hemorrhagic stroke: ruptured blood vessel(s) causing bleeding into the brain and leading to poor brain perfusion.
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): the virus that causes AIDS.
hyperglycemia: high blood sugar.
hyperthermia: a condition in which the patient’s body reaches a higher than normal temperature.
hypoglycemia: low blood sugar.
hypothermia: a condition in which the patient’s body reaches a temperature < 95° Fahrenheit or 35° Celsius.
ischemic stroke: blood vessel occlusion in the brain leading to poor perfusion to the brain tissue.
ketones: harmful chemicals in the bloodstream caused by a breakdown of fats for energy production.
naloxone: the approved antidote for opioid overdoses. Also referred to by its trade name Narcan.
palpitations: the feeling of a rapid or fluttering beating of the heart.
pH: a measure of acidity or alkalinity; low pH = acidic; high pH= alkaline.
poisoning: ingestion of toxic substances or overdose of medications.
postictal state: the condition of the body after a seizure.
personal protective equipment (PPE): equipment such as gloves, gowns, and masks that prevent the transmission of infectious organisms.
primary assessment: assessment in which the rescuer maintains the airway, ensures adequate breathing, checks for circulation, checks for disability, and performs a survey of the patient’s body.
proximity: the prompt provision of medical care within 3 to 4 minutes of the accident if there is no trained employee on-site to give first aid.
respiratory arrest: absence of breathing but with a pulse.
respiratory distress: abnormal respiratory rate or effort.
respiratory failure: progression of respiratory distress due to inadequate oxygenation and ventilation.
return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC): the desired condition following cardiac arrest in which there is a return of a perfusing heart rhythm.
seizure: abrupt abnormal electrical conduction of signals in the brain resulting in abnormal behaviors, movements, or level awareness.
shock: a medical condition caused by low blood pressure, significant blood loss, or lack of oxygen to the organs and tissues.
silver sulfadiazine cream: treatment of choice for partial-thickness burns.
sprain: injury to a joint or ligament caused by an abnormal motion of the joint.
standard precautions: a set of protocols that the responder must follow to protect themselves from harmful exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
strain: injury to a muscle or tendon caused by twisting or pulling.
superficial burn: formerly known as a first-degree burn, which involves only the epidermal skin layer.
superficial partial-thickness burn: formerly called a second-degree burn, which involves the epidermis and some parts of the dermis.
tachycardia: a heart rate > 100 beats per minute.
toxidromes: signs and symptoms of poisoning.
tripod position: position assumed by a victim of choking with hands on knees.
urticaria: medical name for hives.